The event, which was led by East Devon District Council (EDDC) featured a number of opportunities for groups to share experiences and best practice.

A discovery day held in Honiton has been hailed as a ‘resounding success’ after more than 60 people attended the event.

The day, which was led by East Devon District Council (EDDC)featured a number of opportunities for groups to share experiences and best practice, discuss the future of community initiatives in the town and, for some, to pitch for funding through a ‘Dragons’ Den’ session.

The aim was to open doors to funders, commissioners and decision makers, share great grassroots projects and innovative thinking, run inspiring networking events, and give the network an online, interactive presence.

Councillor Jill Elson, the district council’s cabinet member for sustainable homes and communities, said: “I’m delighted that this ground-breaking event was such a resounding success.

“I’d like to congratulate all involved in organising the day, including EDDC’s community development team.

“The feedback from the day has been very positive and I’m confident that community cohesion in Honiton will go from strength to strength as we move forward with some of the projects that were showcased at this event.”

More than 60 people from the local voluntary and social sector attended, including police officers, a number of social enterprises and charities, and town, district and county councillors.

They enjoyed talks from the Big Lottery, which offered advice to local groups on how to get initiatives off the ground.

Members of Transition Town Totnes also promoted the idea of all citizens playing an engaged, active role in creating a more positive future for local people.

As well as various talks, informal workshops were held, which explained how to make the local economy work better for local people, and depicted what a healthy Honiton would look like.

There was also a funding spot, where people could pick up ideas and advice from Heritage Lottery, the Big Lottery, and East Devon Volunteer Support Agency.